Mixed Blessings

Mixed Blessings

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[a] have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 NIV

As the many campers entered the state park to enjoy their outdoor vacations, the park ranger warned them all that bears were raiding the campground due to a shortage of their natural foods.

“Be sure to love up your food in your vehicles at night,” he said. “If you leave your ice chests, coolers and food boxes out, the bears will destroy them.”

Sure enough, each night the bears came, knocking over trash receptacles to get at the garbage inside. After a few nights of those raids, one camping group didn’t heed the warning, and left their food outside. The bears destroyed their campsite while enjoying the easy pickings.

“We want our money back!” the group demanded. “We didn’t count on this!”

Apparently those folks would accept the trees, the majestic mountains, and the fresh air, but not the bears. God made all those things, however. I wonder that maybe that group might have been better advised to listen to the ranger’s warning and enjoyed that natural area and its native inhabitants as God had prepared it.

Then a question formed in my mind. How many times have I been willing to accept only part of God’s plan for me? I’ve probably said it many times, if only to myself: “Give me your blessings, Lord, but spare me from the challenges and problems of life.”

The fact is that all God allows me to experience is for my good and for my best development as His child. The next time I encounter “bears” in my life, I hope I’ll not run from them, but rather face them head-on (listening to any appropriate warnings), learn from them, and grow to be all that He intends for me to be.

Let’s thank God for all of life, for the challenges and the blessings, as we seek His wisdom and let Him be in control. Let’s keep our eyes constantly on Him.

Thanks for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement.  If you’re a regular attender of the Mt. Laurel Church of God, consider reading Romans 3:19-28 to get yourself ready to hear God’s message through Pastor Dale this coming Sunday, October 26.

Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.